The Foolish Virgins Sleeping

Abraham Bosse

Associated Names
Abraham Bosse

Artist, French, 1602 - 1676

The image shows an indoor scene with a group of women gathered around a central figure who is seated, possibly reading from a book or document on her lap. This central figure and the two women beside her are visible seated with their bodies turned slightly toward the source of light, which illuminates their faces. The women have delicate facial features and wear their hair long, adorned with lace caps. Each woman wears a dress with a high collar and intricate lace details. The room is richly decorated, with a grand fireplace on the left side, a tapestry or richly patterned wall covering, and several large framed paintings hanging in the background. A table covered with a heavy textured cloth is on the right, holding objects that may include vases and a potted plant, and there is a globe positioned next to it. A cat or small animal lies on the floor near the fireplace.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.4 x 32 cm (10 x 12 5/8 in.)
    sheet: 29.2 x 36.2 cm (11 1/2 x 14 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2003.127.1.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc, no. 89

  • Series Title

    The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (plate 5)

Associated Artworks

See all 7 artworks
The image shows five women indoors, depicted from their upper bodies upwards. Two women on the left are conversing; one gestures while sitting to the left of another holding a book. On the right, three women are shown, engaged in reading or discussion, with books in hand or laps. They all have centrally parted, swept back hair, wear dresses with wide collars and long sleeves, typical of an earlier period. Two large framed paintings are on the walls, depicting allegorical or religious scenes. A table in the center has an open book on a stand, flanked by candles and a cross. The room has high ceilings and large windows showing a building and landscape view.

The Wise Virgins at Prayer

Abraham Bosse

1602

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover is black with a beige rectangular panel in the center which contains gold embossed text. On the beige panel, the text reads "ABRAHAM BOSSE — LES VIERGES FOLLES ET LES VIERGES SAGES." The overall design is simple and elegant, with the black surface exhibiting a subtle textured pattern, and a strip of lighter material running along the left edge of the cover. The gold embossed text adds a touch of sophistication to the cover.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Abraham Bosse

1602

The image shows five women sitting in a semi-circle around a fireplace. They have distinct facial features and varied hairstyles, and wear formal dresses. There is a table with lit candles, and some of the women appear to be holding books or documents. In the background, there is an ornate fireplace and a window with closed shutters showing a crescent moon. The room is elegantly decorated with wood paneling and textile wall hangings.

The Wise Virgins before the Fire

Abraham Bosse

1602

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Frits Rumpf (Lugt 2161). (Christopher Mendez, London); purchased 2003 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels

Wikidata ID

Q76334927

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